AZADE KÖKER (B. 1949)

In her remarkable collage works, Azade Köker explores the potential of working in two dimensions through techniques of cutting, layering and repetition to create the illusion of depth. As a comment on identity and belonging, her works allude to the multi-dimensional make-up of culture and our place within society. She explores the concept of hybridity as a ‘survival mechanism’ in her multimedia paintings, which transcend solely one-dimensional illustrations of cultural events and natural scenes.

Woman Who Plays Baglama depicts a woman named Sümeyla who particularly drew the artist’s attention during one musical recital. Originating in Central Asia—where Turks lived before their westward migration—baglama is now the most commonly played string instrument in Turkey and is central to the sound and character of Turkish folk and classical music. Baglama is also played by notable cultural figures including renowned musician and composer Zülfü Livaneli, and in the 1970s by opera singer Ruhi Su in Berlin. Woman Who Plays Baglama offers the artist an opportunity to reminisce about her joyful memories of the creative Turkish migrant communities during this period.

Azade Köker lives and works between Berlin, Germany and Istanbul, Turkey. She has recently had solo exhibitions at Zilberman Gallery, Istanbul (2021); Zilberman Gallery, Berlin (2018) and Proje 4L, Elgiz Museum, Istanbul (2015). The artist was also featured in group exhibitions at Istanbul Modern Art Museum, Istanbul (2021); Odunpazarı Modern Museum, Eskişehir (2020) and MOCAK, Krakow (2019). Her works are held in public and corporate collections including Akbank, Istanbul; The British Museum, London; Berlinische Galerie, Berlin and Istanbul Modern Museum.